Spain 0-2 Chile: Shock early exit for defending champions in Rio
Spain's dream of retaining the World Cup is over after they were sent packing in the group stage by Chile.
After an embarrassing 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands in their opening game, La Roja needed a response but could not muster it against the South Americans in an abysmal defence of their title.
The Chileans outnumbered the Spanish fans at the Maracana and provided a fervent atmosphere which seemingly transferred to the pitch.
Vicente del Bosque's side looked nervous and Chile profited on 20 minutes as Eduardo Vargas fired them ahead, stepping inside Iker Casillas and smartly poking the ball into an empty net.
The Spaniards did create chances but were guilty of some shocking misses and on the cusp of half-time their task got even harder when Charles Aranguiz toe punted a volley beyond Casillas after the Real Madrid keeper poorly dealt with an Alexis Sanchez free-kick.
It was just reward for Jorge Sampaoli's side who made the brighter start, almost going ahead through a Javi Martinez own goal when the Spaniard's tackle inadvertently sent the ball bobbling just wide of the post.
Gradually Spain managed to assert some dominance in midfield but just as they did so, they fell behind to a wonderful move and strike from Vargas.
Alexis Sanchez picked the ball up and a few searing exchanges later, Vargas was picked out in the box and the Valencia forward stepped past Casillas before smartly poking the ball into an empty net.
Diego Costa has flattered to deceive since donning the Spanish shirt and so it proved in Rio de Janeiro once again as the Atletico Madrid scuffed an effort wide when well placed.
Del Bosque had shown his hand in dropping Xavi and Gerard Pique for the encounter but decided to retain Casillas in the face of much criticism for goalkeeper.
But his decision could be questioned when the Spanish captain poorly knocked Sanchez's free-kick back into the box and Aranguiz made no mistake to double Chile's lead.
Costa’s Spanish nightmare continued in his homeland as he fluffed another opportunity by dallying too long on Koke’s excellent through ball before Sergio Busquest's somehow sliced wide from just five yards out and the goal gaping.
Spain were running out of time and looked fresh out of ideas and when they did conjure something, Chile goalkeeper Claudio Brave was up to the task, clawing away Andres Iniesta’s 30-yard dig.
When the final whistle came it signalled the end of La Roja's defence of the World Cup and possibly the end of an era as Chile progressed along with the Netherlands, who had earlier knocked out Australia, winning 3-2.